The upcoming ninth film in the “Fast and Furious” film series (10th if you count the upcoming ‘Hobbs & Shaw’ spin-off) isn’t going to be a full-on testosterone-fueled outing. The film has officially found it’s first female cast member, and she’s a familiar face – Michelle Rodriguez.
According to Bloomberg, Rodriguez has agreed to show up in the next, untitled ‘Fast’ film (they’re definitely working out some quality “nine” puns). However, it wasn’t a guarantee that she was going to appear in the sequel. In fact, a couple of years ago, the actress made a request on social media (more like an ultimatum) for better roles for female characters in the male-dominated franchise. And the new report says that she has secured that, with the inclusion of a female writer on the film.
“I felt like there was not enough of a female voice in the franchise,” Rodriguez said during a Bloomberg event in London. “You should evolve with the times, not just pander to certain demographics that are stuck [in the past.]”
As mentioned, Rodriguez has been an open advocate for female empowerment in the franchise that has previously used women as eye candy and props, barely fleshing them out besides having them show more flesh. The actress’ character, Letty, has always been a focal point in the franchise, with the biggest role for a female in the series. However, even looking back at the first ‘Fast’ film twenty years ago, the actress was sexualized quite a bit.
That being said, it appears that change is coming to the ‘Fast’ family, as a female voice has been added to the chorus. This comes after a recent reveal from Vin Diesel that female writers were signed to pen the script for a female-focused spin-off. We’ll have to wait and see if Rodriguez’s new deal includes the possibility of a spin-off.
“Fast and Furious 9” is expected to hit theaters on May 20, 2020.